Law of the Badlands (1951)

A fast-paced B-Western following two undercover Texas Rangers as they infiltrate a dangerous counterfeiting gang deep in the badlands.

Law of the Badlands - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Law of the Badlands
  • Release Year: 1951
  • Directed by: Lesley Selander
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Western
  • Age Rating (US): NR
  • Runtime: 59m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): February 24, 1951 (United States - NR)
  • Production Companies: RKO Radio Pictures
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Law of the Badlands - Plot

The Texas Rangers send Dave and Chito into the badlands to see if they can locate a counterfeiting operation. They arrive posing as wanted outlaws and this gets them into the gang. But as soon as they uncover the operation and locate the printing press, one of Chito's girl friends arrives to expose their identity and they find themselves trapped by the entire gang.

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Law of the Badlands - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Lesley Selander

Main Cast

  • Tim Holt
  • Joan Dixon
  • Robert Livingston
  • Leonard Penn
  • Harry Woods
  • Larry Johns
  • Robert Bray
  • Kenneth MacDonald
  • John Cliff
  • Richard Martin

Writers

  • Ed Earl Repp

Producers

  • Herman Schlom

Law of the Badlands - FAQs

Where can you stream Law of the Badlands?

Streaming availability for Law of the Badlands varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any free, subscription, or rental services currently offering the film, by visiting JustWatch and searching for it in your region.

Who are the main actors in Law of the Badlands?

Law of the Badlands stars Tim Holt as Dave Saunders and Richard Martin as Chito Rafferty, the two undercover Texas Rangers at the center of the story. The supporting cast includes Joan Dixon, Robert Livingston, Leonard Penn, Harry Woods, Robert Bray, and Kenneth MacDonald.

What is Law of the Badlands about?

The Texas Rangers dispatch agents Dave and Chito into the badlands to infiltrate and expose a counterfeiting operation. Posing as wanted outlaws, they successfully join the gang, but their cover is blown when one of Chito's old girlfriends arrives and reveals their true identities, leaving them surrounded.

Who directed Law of the Badlands?

Law of the Badlands was directed by Lesley Selander, a prolific Hollywood director renowned for his work in the Western genre throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Selander helmed dozens of B-Westerns during his career, often working with RKO Radio Pictures on Tim Holt vehicles.

When was Law of the Badlands released?

Law of the Badlands was released on February 24, 1951, in the United States. It was produced by RKO Radio Pictures and is part of the long-running series of B-Western films featuring Tim Holt and Richard Martin as the recurring duo of Dave and Chito.

How long is Law of the Badlands?

Law of the Badlands has a runtime of 59 minutes, which is typical of the B-Western programmers produced by RKO Radio Pictures during the early 1950s. The tight runtime keeps the pace brisk, delivering action, intrigue, and humor without overstaying its welcome.

Is Law of the Badlands based on a true story?

Law of the Badlands is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay by Ed Earl Repp, crafted as a fictional adventure within the B-Western tradition. The film draws on the broader mythology of the Texas Rangers and the classic Western outlaw genre rather than any documented historical event.

What are similar movies to Law of the Badlands?

Fans of Law of the Badlands may enjoy other classic Westerns such as The Wonderful Country (1959), The Comancheros (1961), True Grit (2010), Seven Ways from Sundown (1960), and Guns of the Law (1944). These films share themes of frontier justice, lawmen, and action-driven storytelling.

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